German Supermarket Chain Kaufland Is Opening Three Huge Melbourne Stores

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi could be in for some stiff competition, as German supermarket giant Kaufland announces plans to open Down Under. Having launched way back in 1984, the chain's owned by the Schwarz Group, which takes out the title of the fourth largest retailer in the world.

Now, with close to 1300 international stores under its belt, Kaufland wants a piece of the Aussie pie and it's revealed the locations of its first three local one-stop supermarkets. Set to drop a cool $459 million in initial investment, the group's scored planning approval to build stores in Dandenong, Chirnside Park and Epping in Victoria. Each site will be around 4000 square metres, with its own butcher, bakery and bottle shop, and an assortment of small businesses — such as nail salons, sushi bars and cafes — adjacent, too.

Kaufland has also kicked off construction work on a mammoth, state-of-the-art distribution centre in the northern suburb of Mickleham. Taking up around 115,000 square metres — or the size of six MCGs — this building will be the largest of its kind in the country.

Three further local retail sites are currently waiting on approval, with plans to open a stack more across the country after that. Kaufland is also planning to base its Australian headquarters in Melbourne and says it will source local products to stock its stores wherever possible.

Kaufland's website states it's out to 'disrupt the Australian retail sector', delivering competitive prices across a hefty range of food and non-food items.

Kauflands are slated to open at 592–594 High Street, Epping; 266 Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park; and 1–5 Gladstone Road, Dandenong. We'll let you know as soon as opening dates are announced.